up front encore
Cider and doughnuts
Schultz Fruitridge Farms answers autumn’s call with fresh treats Lisa Mackinder
Brian Powers
by
B
illy Schultz smiles while walking the grounds at Schultz Fruitridge Farms beneath a clear blue sky. “This is my office,” he says, motioning toward the barn, farm market and surrounding fruit orchards. As the farm’s operations manager, Schultz has several roles at this open-air workplace — farmer, mechanic and, when the crisp air announces autumn’s arrival, doughnut maker. Schultz Fruitridge Farm, 60139 County Road 652, in Mattawan, unveiled its Donut Depot a few years ago. In this custom-built cabin-
10 | Encore OCTOBER 2015
Above: Billy Schultz of Schultz Fruitridge Farms stands in front of the customdesigned trailer housing the orchard’s doughnut-making operation. Opposite page: Apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice doughnuts are two customer favorites.
on-wheels, the Schultz family prepares and sells its fresh-made doughnuts and award-winning apple cider. “We always had customers that would suggest to us, ‘You know what would go great with your fresh cider? It would be so amazing to get a warm doughnut,’” Schultz says.